Ever felt limited by where you can position your camera? One photographer has completely shattered those limitations, and the results are mind-blowing! Paris-based Mathieu Stern, a name synonymous with experimental photography, has taken a 'weird' lens and made it even weirder (and infinitely more useful) by adding wheels.
Stern, known for his innovative YouTube tutorials and boundary-pushing projects, has turned his attention to the Laowa probe lens. Laowa is a company celebrated for its unconventional and imaginative optics. This isn't just a review; it's a transformation. Stern has essentially created a low-angle, mobile cinematic tool that unlocks possibilities most filmmakers only dream of.
"This is without a doubt the weirdest lens I have ever used. But I wanted to make it even weirder," Stern confesses. And he certainly delivered!
Laowa has consistently pushed the boundaries of lens design, and their periscope probe zoom lens is no exception. Inspired by the naval periscope (dating back to 1854 and refined during World War I), this lens allows cameras to venture into spaces that were previously inaccessible. Think of it as giving your camera the ability to see around corners – literally!
The lens is ingeniously designed with two key components: a detachable probe and a main body. The main body houses all the essential manual controls, including focus, zoom, and aperture. The probe, on the other hand, is where the magic truly happens.
"The probe itself can rotate horizontally or vertically, while accessories can be attached for added flexibility," Stern explains. This means you can precisely adjust the lens's perspective to capture the perfect shot, no matter how awkward the angle. And this is the part most people miss... the ability to add accessories to the probe opens up an entirely new realm of creative possibilities. Imagine attaching a light source directly to the probe for perfectly illuminated macro shots in dimly lit environments!
With an incredibly close focusing distance of just half a centimeter, this lens excels at macro photography, making tiny subjects appear larger than life. Imagine capturing details on an insect's wing with stunning clarity! Stern also points out that the probe is waterproof, allowing for breathtaking underwater shots. Think about the possibilities for capturing unique perspectives of aquatic life, or even creating surreal, dreamlike underwater scenes.
Given the lens's unique design and the magnified movements at such close focusing distances, stabilization is crucial. Even the slightest shake can become amplified. Stern experimented with tripods, sliders, and tabletop setups to explore the lens's potential.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that relying too heavily on stabilization tools can stifle creativity and limit the spontaneity of the filmmaking process. What do you think? Is it better to embrace the natural shake and imperfections, or strive for perfectly smooth, stabilized footage?
"But my most inventive modification came when I added wheels to the lens support, transforming it into a low-angle, mobile rig capable of following subjects at ground level. By adding wheels, I’ve unlocked so many new possibilities," Stern says. This simple yet brilliant modification turns the lens into a miniature dolly, allowing for smooth, low-to-the-ground tracking shots.
The periscope probe lens also features zoom capabilities, enabling the creation of dramatic dolly zoom sequences. And the future looks even brighter, with Laowa planning to release additional probe heads, promising even more unexplored ways to capture dynamic perspectives.
The rolling periscope setup, combined with Stern's inventive approach, showcases the playful and experimental side of modern photography and filmmaking. It allows creators to explore unseen angles, peek into tight spaces, and achieve fluid low-to-the-ground shots that were previously impossible. Think of the possibilities for creating unique and immersive experiences for your audience!
Mathieu Stern's Paris-based experiments solidify his reputation as a boundary-pushing creator, blending technical ingenuity with artistic curiosity. His work goes beyond simply testing lenses; it challenges conventional ideas of how cameras can interact with the world. By combining inventive rigging, unusual optics, and a fearless approach to experimentation, Stern continually discovers new ways to capture perspectives that were previously impossible, emphasizing the limitless possibilities that emerge when creativity meets innovation.
"With a lens that can peek into impossible spaces and roll across the floor for unique point-of-view shots, I hope to inspire photographers and filmmakers to rethink what’s possible behind the camera," Stern concludes.
So, what do you think of Stern's wheeled lens modification? Is it a game-changer for low-angle filmmaking, or just a fun gimmick? And more importantly, what kind of creative projects would you use this setup for? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
